Mops and mop components

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a butterfly mop having an elongate shaft with a channel body disposed at one end of the shaft, the channel body having first and second leg portions defining a channel therebetween, the mop further having a mop element including a foldable, compressible, liquid-absorbent member. The mop element and channel body are hingedly movable along a hinge line relative to one another, whereby the mop element may be drawn into the channel causing the mop element to fold along a transverse axis and to become compressed between the channel body leg portions. A manual actuation mechanism includes a handle and a tension rod connecting the handle to one of the mop element and channel body for effecting relative hinged movement thereof. The mop element preferably includes plural pairs of apertures for allowing mounting of the mop element to variously sized mop element supports.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent ApplicationSerial No. 60/057,088, filed Aug. 27, 1997, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed toward mops, and morespecifically, is in the field of butterfly mops.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A butterfly mop is characterized in that it comprises anelongate, foldable, compressible, liquid-absorbent member, such as asponge, which is disposed at one end of a mop shaft, and which is usedto absorb liquid, typically water, from a surface. When it is desired toexpel liquid from the absorbent member, portions of the absorbent memberare folded over one another along a transverse axis of the absorbentmember and are compressed, using a folding mechanism such as a roller ortrack. Butterfly mops are so named because the folding and unfolding ofthe absorbent member along its transverse axis is said to resemble themotion of the wings of a butterfly.

[0004] One typical butterfly mop is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,892,201. Asshown therein, the butterfly mop includes an elongate liquid absorbentmember, a plate connected to a surface of each “wing” of the liquidabsorbent member, and an activating rod pivotally connected to a portionof each of the plates adjacent the other plate. The plates are drawnalong the dual arms of a yoke-like track to thereby fold the liquidabsorbent member over onto itself and to compress the liquid absorbentmember within a compression space disposed between and defined by thedual arms of the track. Numerous other butterfly mops are known in theprior art.

[0005] A common problem with conventional butterfly mops is thedifficulty inherent in manually applying sufficient force to theactuating mechanism to fold the liquid absorbent member over onto itselfand to compress the liquid absorbent member sufficiently tosatisfactorily expel liquid therefrom. Indeed, in typical butterflymops, substantial physical effort may be required to compress theabsorbent member. Another drawback lies in the difficulty of removing aspent liquid absorbent member and of attaching a new liquid absorbentmember. Known absorbent members typically are sized to be received byand supported on only one type of mop. A liquid absorbent member fromone mop often will not fit on a second mop, and thus retailers muststock many different sizes of mop elements.

[0006] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a mopthat overcomes these drawbacks of earlier mops.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention overcomes these drawbacks by providing a mopincluding a channel body comprising spaced-apart first and second legportions defining a channel therebetween. The channel body uniquelycooperates with an elongate mop element comprising a foldable,compressible liquid absorbent member. In accordance with the invention,the channel body and mop element are disposed in a relatively hingedrelationship with respect to one another along a hinge line lying alonga longitudinal axis of the mop element. The mop element and the channelbody are relatively movable over a range of travel between an open mopelement position and a closed position wherein the mop element is foldedabout a central transverse portion and is rotated to a position withinthe channel. A tension rod connects a manually operable handle to thecentral portion of the mop element remote from the channel hinge portionfor effecting relative hinged movement of the mop element and thechannel body. When tension is applied to the rod, the liquid absorbentmember is drawn into the channel and is compressed therewithin tothereby expel water therefrom, the mop element folding about itstransverse central portion upon compression. The relatively hingedrelationship of the mop element and the channel body and the butterflyaction of the absorbent member provides a leveraged relationship thateffectively multiplies the force applied by an operator to fold andcompress the mop element. This leveraged relationship reduces the manualforce necessary to draw the absorbent member into the channel to therebyexpel liquid therefrom. In accordance with preferred embodiments of theinvention, the actuating handle is pivotally mounted to the shaft abouta pivot axis, and comprises an elongate member terminating in anoperator gripping portion, whereby a pivotal motion of the grippingportion relative to the shaft creates tension in the rod.

[0008] In accordance with particularly preferred embodiments of theinvention, the mop includes a mop element support having a first wing,and a second wing, and a link portion supported on the body andincluding a liquid absorbent mop element mounted on the wings. In thisembodiment, the first leg portion of the channel body includes a firstroller rotatably journalled thereto and engaging the first wing, and thesecond leg portion includes a second roller rotatably journalled theretoand engaging the second wing. The rollers and wings serve to guide theliquid absorbent mop element into the channel.

[0009] In accordance with a highly preferred embodiment of theinvention, the mop element includes a compressible liquid absorbentouter layer and a flexible, relatively tough inner layer adapted tooverlie the mop element support. The wings of the support are providedwith apertures which align respectively with apertures in the innerlayer of the mop element. Fasteners are used to maintain the inner layeragainst the support. Most preferably, the fasteners comprise a rivetportion having an apertured head and a longitudinally slotted outersleeve, and an inner pin portion having a headed end and an operativeend opposite thereof. By introducing the headed end of the pin portioninto the slot of the rivet portion, the pin engages and enlarges theouter sleeve to removably retain the inner layer and wing together. Byso attaching the mop element to the mop element support, the mop elementmay be quickly and easily removed when spent, and may be readilyreplaced with a fresh mop element. The mop element may be provided withplural apertures sized to fit a variety of mop element supports.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the mop ofthe invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the operator handle ofthe mop shown in FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the mop element end of the mopshown in FIG. 1, illustrating the mop element in an upwardly facingposition.

[0013]FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view, partially cut-away, of the mopelement end of the mop shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the mop element ina downwardly facing position.

[0014]FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the mop element end shown inFIGS. 1-4 showing the mop element as it is being drawn into the channelbody.

[0015]FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the mop element end shown inFIGS. 1-5, showing the mop element fully withdrawn into the channelbody.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a side representational view of the mop of FIGS. 1-6,showing the mop element fully withdrawn into the channel body as shownin FIG. 6.

[0017]FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the mopelement assembly of the mop of the invention, illustrating the mopelement and a portion of the mop element support.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fastener useful in conjunctionwith the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention,showing the mop element secured to the mop element support with two ofthe fasteners shown in FIG. 9.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themop of the present invention.

[0021] While the foregoing drawings are described with reference to the“upwardly” and “downwardly” facing positions, it should be understoodthat these designations refer to the floor engaging position and are forconvenient reference only. In practice, the mop of the invention has nospatial orientation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the butterfly mop 20 generallyincludes a mop shaft 21 having a mopping end 22 and a gripping end 24.Disposed at the mopping end 22 is a mop element assembly 25 including amop element 26 and a mop element support 27. The mop element 26 includesan absorbent member of spongy material as shown in FIG. 1 and aflexible, relatively tough inner layer (not shown in FIG. 1) which issecured to the support 27 by fasteners 76, 77. At the gripping end 24 ofthe mop shaft 21 is disposed a hanger clip 29 for supporting the mop forstorage.

[0023] With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the mop element 26comprises a flexible, compressible absorbent member which absorbs liquidand from which liquid may be expelled upon compression thereof. The mopelement has a longitudinal axis 31 and a central transverse axis 32generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 31. The central axis 32divides the mop element generally into two regions, a first region 34and a second region 35. The mop element is disposed on the mop elementsupport 27, which support comprises a first wing 37 and a second wing 38generally coinciding with respective regions 34, 35 of the mop element26. As shown more particularly in FIG. 4, the support 27 includes a link40 connected to the wings 37, 38 such that the wings are hingedlysecured to first and second link arms 42, 43, respectively. The supportfurther includes biasing means for urging the wings and the respectivemop element regions toward longitudinally aligned positions. Preferably,the biasing means comprises a dual coiled spring 45 having first andsecond legs 47, 48 (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) engaging the respectivewings 37, 38. Alternatively, the biasing means may comprise two singlecoil springs (not shown) or another suitable spring mechanism.

[0024] The mop further includes a channel body 50, as shown, forexample, in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. With reference to FIG. 4, the channelbody 50 includes a first leg 51 and a second leg 52 connected by a bightportion 54, and a channel 55 generally defined by a space between thefirst leg 51 and the second leg 52. First and second rollers 58, 59 arerotatably journalled respectively on the first and second legs 51, 52and positioned continuously to engage respectively the first and secondwings 37, 38. The channel body 50 may be secured to the shaft by anysuitable means, such as by fastener 56 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0025] In accordance with the invention, the mop element 26 is disposedin a relatively hinged relationship with respect to the channel body 50.In a preferred embodiment, the link 40 of the mop element support 27 isconnected to the channel body 50 at a trunnion 61, as illustrated inFIG. 4. The hinged mounting of the link 40 in the trunnion 61 defines ahinge line 62 across the width of the link 40, which hinge line isgenerally perpendicular to the transverse central axis 32 of the mopelement 26. The hinged relationship between the mop element 26 and thechannel body 50 and the wedging action as the wings 37, 38 are drawnbetween the rollers 58, 59 provides effective multiplication of theforce applied to the mop element 26 as it is drawn into the channel body50, thus easing the wringing operation. Tabs disposed in the wing may beprovided to inhibit translation of the mop element along itslongitudinal axis.

[0026] An actuation mechanism 66 is provided for wringing the mop, asshown in FIG. 1. The actuation mechanism 66 preferably comprises atension rod 68 having an operator end connected to a handle 69. As shownin FIG. 2, the handle 69 is generally elongate and includes an operatorgripping portion 71, a pivotal connection 73 to the tension rod 68 and apivot 79 for connection to mop shaft (not shown in FIG. 2). The tensionrod is operatively connected to the mop element assembly 25, andpreferably is connected to the mop element 26 via the mop elementsupport 27. By applying tension to the tension rod 68, the operatorcauses the mop element 26 to move hingedly with respect to the channelbody 50 and to be drawn into and compressed within the channel 55.

[0027] Operation of the mop is progressively illustrated in the planviews of FIGS. 4-6 and in the side view of FIG. 7. The mop element isshown in a mopping position in FIG. 4. When it is desired to expelliquid from the mop element, tension is applied to the tension rod 68(shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) whereupon the mop element 26 begins to foldalong the central transverse axis 32 and to be drawn into the channelbody 50. FIG. 5 illustrates the mop element when partially drawn intothe channel body, and FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the mop element whenfully withdrawn into the channel body. During operation, the wings 37,38 travel in a complex path including a generally arcuate path, asillustrated by arrow 74 in FIG. 7. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, the mop element is secured to the mop element supportwith screw-type fasteners 76, 77 which pass through apertures in thewings 37 and 38 and which are secured in threaded apertures in the innerlayer of the mop element 26.

[0028] The operator handle 69 is pivotally mounted to the shaft 21 atthe pivotal mounting 79 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tension rod 68 has an eyelet 70 whichextends around a shaped intermediate portion 30 of link 40 between arms42 and 43. The rod 68 is also secured to the handle 69 at a pivotalconnection 73 disposed between the handle operator gripping portion andthe pivotal mounting of the handle on the shaft as a second order lever.

[0029]FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the mop 20′ ofthe invention utilizing a handle 69′ having a central pivot point 79′.The tension rod 68′ is disposed on the opposite end of the shaft 21′ andis secured to the handle 69′ at pivot 73′. In this embodiment, thetension rod extends through an aperture 80′ in the connecting portion54′ of the channel body 50′. The pivotal mounting 79′ of the handle 69′to the shaft 21′ is disposed between the operator gripping portion ofthe handle 69′ and the pivotal connection 73′ of the handle 69′ to thetension rod 68′ as a first order lever.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the mop element of the invention isillustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the mop element 100 is alaminar structure, and comprises a compressible liquid absorbent member101 having a support surface 102, which preferably is a generally planarsurface. Overlying at least a portion of the support surface is aflexible, relatively tough inner layer 104, which preferably is made ofplastic, such as polypropylene. The inner layer 104 is adapted tooverlie a mop element support 106 (partially shown in FIG. 8). The innerlayer 106 may be continuous, but is preferably discontinuous across thecentral transverse axis 107 of the mop element 100, and preferablyincludes spacing ribs 109 on at least a portion thereof.

[0031] Many known mop elements designed for use with butterfly mopsinclude two upwardly and inwardly extending threaded posts positionedfor alignment with respective holes in the mop element support. The mopelement is secured to the support by inserting the posts into thealigned apertures and securing the post with a threaded cap. Inaccordance with the present invention, the mop element 100 instead hasat least one aperture, and preferably includes at least a pair ofapertures 110, 111, which are positioned for alignment with respectiveholes 112, 113 in the mop element support. To secure the mop element tothe support, a fastener, and preferably a pair of fasteners, areprovided. Each fastener is separate from the mop element and includes apost portion for extending through the aligned apertures in the mopelement and mop element support, the fastener engaging the mop elementand mop element support to thereby releasably secure the mop element tothe support.

[0032] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, thefasteners comprise removable rivets, such as those rivets sold under thetrademark TUFLOK® by ITW Fastex®. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9,the removable rivet 120 comprises a rivet portion 121 and an inner plugportion 123. The rivet portion has a headed end 124 and a longitudinallyslotted outer sleeve 126 with an inward annular projection 125 adjacentthe slotted portion thereof. The inner plug has a head 128 and anoperative tapered pin 129 opposite the head 128. The operative pin 129of the plug 123 is inserted into the sleeve when the headed portions124, 128 of the respective rivet portion 121 and pin portion 123 arelongitudinally spaced, and when the pin portion 123 is longitudinallymoved toward the headed end 124 of the rivet portion 121. When the pinis partially extended through the sleeve 126, the pin engages the innerannular projection 125 and enlarges the sleeve 126 to secure the rivetin place. FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the mop of the inventionwherein the mop element 100 is secured to the mop element support 130via two removable rivets 131, 132. The invention is not limited to theforegoing types of fasteners, and indeed other fasteners can be used inconjunction with the invention. For example, it is contemplated that theaperture, in the mop element may include screw threads, and the fastenermay include a shank portion having threads or other projections forengaging the screw threads in the mop element, thereby allowing theshank portion to be screwed and/or pushed into the aperture and therebysecured.

[0033] In accordance with a highly preferred embodiment of theinvention, as shown in FIG. 8, the mop element 100 has a centraltransverse axis 107 dividing the mop element into two regions 133, 134,and includes inner layer portions 104 having plural apertures in eachregion 133, 134. For example, the mop element 100 shown in FIG. 8includes apertures 135, 136, which define a second pair of aperturespositioned for alignment with respective apertures in a second mopelement support (not shown). Thus, the mop element may be secured to mopelement supports of various sizes. For example, in FIG. 8, apertures110, 111 are aligned with respective apertures 112, 113 in the mopelement supports. However, it is contemplated that the pair of apertures135, 136 could be used to secure the mop element 100 to a support havingdifferently spaced apertures (not shown) which apertures alignrespectively with apertures 135, 136. The mop element shown in FIG. 8further includes a third pair of apertures 137, 138 for mounting to yeta third mop element support (not shown).

[0034] The mop element of the invention is not limited to theconfiguration shown. For example, the apertures in the mop element maybe positioned in any location necessary for alignment with respectiveapertures in any number of mop element supports. Similarly, while thefastener shown in FIG. 9 is the preferred embodiment of the fasteneruseful in conjunction with the invention, it is contemplated that otherforms of fasteners could be employed. The mop element and one or morefasteners may be provided in the form of a kit, the kit being adaptedfor securing the mop element to several differently sized mop elementsupports.

[0035] Thus, it is seen that the invention has overcome the drawbacksinherent in the prior art, and has achieved the foregoing generalobjects. The relatively hinged relationships between the respectivewings and between the mop element and the channel body allow a userreadily to apply sufficient force to the actuating mechanism to fold theliquid absorbing mop element over onto itself and to compress the mopsufficiently to satisfactorily expel liquid therefrom. Moreover, the mopelement and kit of the invention are versatile, and allow a single mopelement to be supported on variously sized mop element supports. Thus, aretailer need only carry one brand or type of mop element, rather thandifferent replacements for a variety of mops.

[0036] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, itwill be understood that the invention is not limited thereto sincemodifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly inlight of the foregoing teachings. It is, therefore, contemplated by theappended claims to cover any such modifications as incorporate thosefeatures which constitute the essential features of these improvementswithin the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mop comprising: an elongate shaft having amopping end and a gripping end; a channel body disposed at said moppingend of said shaft and comprising spaced-apart first and second legportions defining a channel therebetween; a mop element comprising aflexible, compressible, elongate liquid absorbent member, said mopelement having a central axis, said mop element being disposed in arelatively hinged relationship with respect to said channel body along ahinge line, said hinge line being generally perpendicular to saidcentral axis; an elongate rod having an operator end and operativelyconnecting said operator end to one of said mop element and said channelbody, whereby the application of longitudinal force in said rod relativeto the other of said mop element and said channel body causes relativehinged movement of said mop element and said channel body about saidhinge line thereby drawing said mop element into said channel andcausing said mop element to fold at said central axis and to becomecompressed between said channel body portions.
 2. A mop according toclaim 1, further comprising an operator handle, said operator handleincluding a gripping portion, a pivotal mounting on said shaft, and apivotal connection to said operator end of said rod whereby pivotalmotion of said gripping portion relative to said shaft creates tensionin said rod.
 3. A mop according to claim 1, said central axis dividingsaid absorbent member into first and second portions, said mop includinga mop element support including a first wing connected to said firstportion of said absorbent member and a second wing connected to saidsecond portion of said absorbent member.
 4. A mop according to claim 3,said mop element support including biasing means urging said first andsecond wings and mop element portions toward a coplanar relationship. 5.A mop according to claim 3, said mop element support including a linkconnecting said first wing to said second wing, said wings beinghingedly connected to said link.
 6. A mop according to claim 5, whereinsaid link has a first arm and a second arm, said first wing beinghingedly connected to said link at said first arm and said second wingbeing hingedly connected to said link at said second arm.
 7. A mopaccording to claim 5, said link being connected to said channel body ata hinge trunnion, said hinge trunnion defining a hinge axis, said hingeline being defined by said hinge axis.
 8. A mop according to claim 3,said first leg portion including a first roller rotatably journalledthereon and engaging said first wing, said second channel body portionincluding a second roller rotatably journalled thereon and engaging saidsecond wing, whereby said relative hinged movement of said mop elementand said channel body causes said wings to roll in a generally arcuatepath relative to said channel body portions.
 9. A mop according to claim1, said channel body having a connecting portion interlinking said firstand second leg portions.
 10. A mop according to claim 5, said rodextending through said connecting portion.
 11. A mop according to claim5, said rod extending around said connecting portion.
 12. A mopcomprising: an elongate shaft having a mopping end and an operator end;a channel body disposed at the mopping end of said shaft and comprisinga first channel body leg and a second channel body leg defining achannel therebetween; an elongate mop element support having a firstwing, a second wing, and a link therebetween, said link being hingedlysecured along its length to said first wing and to said second wing,said link having a hinge axis across its width corresponding to thewidth of said channel, said support being mounted for rotation aboutsaid axis within said channel; a flexible, compressible, liquidabsorbent mop element overlying said support and having ends secured tofirst and second wings respectively; and a tension rod generally alignedwith said shaft, passing between said legs and pivotally secured to aposition on said link displaced from said hinge axis, whereby theapplication of tension in said rod relative to said shaft rotates saidlink about said hinge axis to rotate said wings relative to said legsand relative to said link whereby said wings are closed together to acompressed position between said legs.
 13. The mop of claim 12 includinga handle having a gripping end, a pivotal mounting on said shaft and apivotal connection to said rod whereby pivotal motion of said grippingend creates tension in said rod.
 14. The mop of claim 13 wherein saidpivotal connection is disposed between the gripping end and the pivotalmounting.
 15. The mop of claim 12 including bias means urging said wingsand said ends apart hingedly.
 16. The mop of claim 15, said bias meanscomprising a spring.
 17. The mop of claim 16 wherein each leg includes aroller rotatably mounted at the end thereof, engaging the respectivewing, whereby rotation of said link causes said wings to roll in anarcuate path relative to said legs about said hinge axis between saidcompressed position and a position generally aligned with said link. 18.The mop of claim 12 including a roller rotatably mounted at the end ofeach leg and engaging the respective wing whereby rotation of said linkcauses said wings to roll in an arcuate path relative to said legs aboutsaid hinge axis.
 19. The mop of claim 12 wherein said mop elementincludes a compressible, liquid absorbent outer layer and a flexibletough inner layer adapted to overly the support, said inner layer beingin alignment with said wings and detachably secured thereto.
 20. The mopof claim 19 wherein each wing has a wing aperture and said inner layerhas an aperture aligned with each wing aperture and a fastener disposedin each wing aperture and engaging the respective aperture in said innerlayer whereby said inner layer is maintained against said support. 21.An elongate mop element for use with a mop element support having afirst wing and a second wing, each with a mounting aperture therein, andan intermediate portion between the wings, said intermediate portionbeing adapted for mounting to a mop shaft, said element comprising: acompressible, liquid absorbent outer layer and a flexible tough innerlayer adapted to overly the support, said inner layer having an aperturein alignment with the respective apertures in said wings; and, fastenersdisposed in each of said first and second wing apertures, each of saidfasteners engaging the respective aperture in said inner layer wherebysaid inner layer is maintained against said support, each of saidfasteners comprising: a rivet portion having a headed end and alongitudinally slotted outer sleeve; and an inner pin portion having aheaded end and an operative end opposite the headed end thereof, theoperative end thereof received within said sleeve when partiallyextended therein with the headed portions of the rivet portion and pinportion longitudinally spaced, whereby, when the head of said pin ismoved longitudinally toward the head of said sleeve, the operative endthereof engages and enlarges said slotted outer sleeve to retain saidrespective inner layer and wing together in a retained condition. 22.The mop element of claim 21 wherein said slotted sleeve has an inwardprojection portion and said pin portion is shaped to interact therewithto retain said inner pin portion in said retained position.
 23. A mopcomprising: an elongate shaft having a mophead end and an operator endand defining a shaft axis; a mophead disposed at the mophead end andincluding a body defining a plane having a longitudinal axis normal tosaid shaft axis and a central transverse axis forming an acute anglewith said shaft axis, said body defining a central channel aligned withsaid central transverse axis and extending into said body toward saidoperator end of said shaft, and a mop element comprising an elongateflexible, compressible, liquid absorbent member overlying said body andaligned with said plane, said mop element having a central axisoverlying said channel, one portion of said mop element overlying saidchannel being hingedly supported relative to said body normal to saidtransverse axis; and an elongate tension rod operatively connectedthrough said channel to said element at a portion thereof transverselyspaced from said one portion, whereby tension in said rod relative tosaid shaft causes the portions of said element extending outwardly fromsaid channel to fold together and be rotated about said one portion intosaid channel.
 24. A mop comprising: an elongate shaft having a moppingend and an operator end; a mophead disposed at the mopping end of saidshaft and including a body supported at the mopping end and defining amop element plane and a central channel extending into said body fromsaid mop element plane toward said operator end, and an elongate,flexible compressible, liquid absorbent mop element having a centraltransverse section supported on said body along said plane and havingend portions extending longitudinally outwardly therefrom, one endportion of said central transverse section being hingedly supported insaid channel; and a rod generally aligned with said shaft and pivotallysecured adjacent the other end of said central transverse section,whereby longitudinal force in said rod relative to said shaft rotatessaid central transverse section about said one portion whereby said endsare closed together within said channel to compressed positions.
 25. Amop element to be mounted on one of a plurality of different mop elementsupports comprising: a compressible liquid absorbent member having alongitudinal dimensional and a generally planar surface having atransverse central axis, said central axis dividing said surface into afirst region and a second region; a first and a second aperture in saidfirst region; a first and a second aperture in said second region; saidfirst aperture in said first region corresponding to said first aperturein said second region thus defining a first pair of apertures positionedfor alignment with respective apertures in a first mop element support;said second aperture in said first region corresponding to said secondaperture in said second region thus defining a second pair of aperturespositioned for alignment with respective apertures in a second differentmop element support.
 26. A mop element according to claim 25, whereinsaid mop element includes a third aperture in said first region and athird aperture in said second region, said third aperture in said firstregion corresponding to said third aperture in said second region thusdefining a third pair of apertures positioned for alignment withrespective apertures in a third different mop element support.
 27. A mopelement according to claim 25, wherein said mop element includes arelatively tough covering layer having first and second sectionsoverlying respectively at least a portion of said first region and aportion of said second region, wherein said apertures are disposedrespectively in said first and second sections of said covering layer.28. A mop according to claim 27, wherein said covering layer isdiscontinuous across said central axis.
 29. A kit comprising: a mopelement to be mounted on a mop element support, said mop elementcomprising: a compressible liquid absorbent member having a longitudinaldimension and a generally planar surface having a transfer central axis,said central axis dividing said surface into a first region and a secondregion; an aperture in said first region; an aperture in said secondregion, said apertures positioned for alignment with respectiveapertures in such mop element support; and two removable rivets, each ofsaid rivets comprising: a rivet portion having a headed end and alongitudinally slotted outer sleeve; and a pin portion having a head andan operative end opposite the head, the operative end thereof beingreceived within the sleeve of said rivet portion when partially extendedtherein with the. headed portions of the rivet portion and pin portionlongitudinally spaced, whereby, when the head of said pin is movedlongitudinally toward the head of said sleeve, the operative end thereofengages and enlarges said outer sleeve.
 30. The kit of claim 29 whereinsaid slotted sleeve has an inward projection portion and said pinportion is shaped to interact therewith to retain said inner pin portionin said retained position.
 31. A kit according to claim 29, wherein saidmop element has a second aperture in said first region and a secondaperture in said second region, said second aperture in said firstregion corresponding to said second aperture in said second region thusdefining a pair of second apertures positioned for alignment withrespective apertures in a second different mop element support.
 32. Akit comprising: a mop element to be mounted on a mop element support,said mop element comprising: a liquid absorbent member having a supportsurface; an aperture in said support surface; said aperture positionedfor alignment with a respective aperture in such mop element support;and a fastener for releasably securing said mop element to said mopelement support when said apertures are aligned, said fastener beingseparable from said mop element and including a post portion forextending through said aligned apertures, said fastener releasablyengaging at least one of said mop element and said mop element supportthereby releasably securing said mop element to said mop elementsupport.
 33. A kit according to claim 32, wherein said fastenercomprises a removable rivet.
 34. A kit according to claim 32, whereinsaid support surface includes plural apertures positioned for alignmentwith respective plural apertures in a mop element support.
 35. A kitaccording to claim 34, wherein said support surface includes a firstpair of apertures and a second pair of apertures, said first pair ofapertures positioned for alignment with a respective pair of aperturesin a first mop element support and said second pair of aperturespositioned for alignment with a respective pair of apertures in a seconddifferent mop element support.